Number of jobs available: 2
Region: South East
City/Town: Wallingford
Building/Site: Red Kite House
Grade: Staff Grade 4
Post Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Role Type: Planning
Salary Minimum: £29,706
Job description
Are you passionate about making a difference to people and the environment, working with others to deliver our contributions to EA2025? The planning system is one of the key tools we have to help deliver sustainable growth and infrastructure in our area, and we are looking for individuals with drive and passion to provide advice from within our Thames Area Sustainable Places (SP) team.
The successful candidates will have a sound understanding of the planning system and goals around sustainable growth. They will be clear and effective at communicating and building relationships. In turn these Planning Advisors will be integral to a diverse, exciting portfolio of work.
Accountabilities will include responding to Local Plan and Development Management Work for a number of Local Planning Authorities; participating in internal projects / working groups; and engaging and influencing our local planning decision makers around growth and infrastructure.
These roles also offer opportunities to deepen professional planning knowledge and develop additional project management, innovation, and leadership skills. We will also explore the possibility of apprenticeships and other career progression options should these be appealing.
Alongside this, responding to incidents is a central part of what we do at the Environment Agency. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.
The team
The Thames Sustainable Places team are part of the Environment, Planning and Engagement department. We lead on the Environment Agency’s input into development, growth and planning policy matters. We seek to secure the best possible environmental outcomes by working closely with internal colleagues, 26 councils, numerous developers and strategic partners. Thames area has a diverse range of environmental issue and development pressures creating exciting opportunities for an interesting and diverse workload.
Experience/skills required
You will enjoy the challenge of working within a busy team, with tight deadlines. In addition to this, you will be able to demonstrate some or all of the following:
• knowledge of environmental issues relevant to the Environment Agency and/or the Environment Agency’s planning remit
• knowledge of the UK planning system and relevant legislation particularly relating to local plans/supporting evidence, major growth projects and development management work-streams
• awareness of the political framework we work within
• good communication and networking skills
• good people and project management skills
• An ability to work flexibly responding to competing demands in a challenging but rewarding workload environment
• a positive caring attitude with an ability to contribute to a diverse and inclusive work culture
Contact and additional information
These roles will be based in our Thames Area. Some travel will be required to other offices and locations.
We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Everyone starting in a new role with us will be welcomed into the team and given all the support needed to succeed. We also support flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share. Our hybrid working model combines home and office working, however you will be expected to attend the office for certain meetings.
For further information please contact:
• Katie Newton (Mon-Weds) – katie.newton@environment-agency.gov.uk
• Elissa Kelly (Weds – Fri) – Elissa.Kelly@environment-agency.gov.uk
Job description attachment 1
Job Profile – 25675.pdf – 176KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 25675.docx – 1867KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 25675.docx.pdf – 513KB
Closing Date: 03/03/2023, 23:55 hours
Level of security checks required: Basic Check
Competence 1: Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Please note that your answers to the capability questions will be used to determine interview selection. Please give an example of a time that you had to present a case in a convincing and attractive way to win over your audience. Describe the obstacles you faced, the techniques you used and the outcomes you experienced.
Competence 2: Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
Please note that your answers to the capability questions will be used to determine interview selection. Please describe a time when you faced a challenge and how you addressed it. Use this example to briefly explain the challenge, the approach you took and the outcome of it.
Competence 3: Focuses on Customers and Partners
Description
Please note that your answers to the capability questions will be used to determine interview selection. Using an example(s), tell us of a time when you have provided good customer service. Use this example to describe how you provided good customer service and highlight any benefits or issues you may have experienced.
Competence 4: Managing the Agency’s Interaction in the Land Use Planning Process
Description
Your answers to the capability questions will be used to determine interview selection. Please summarise your experience of working with the UK town and country planning system. Please note, this does NOT have to be related to the Environment Agency.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
